(CS1.2) Research, Design, and Craftsmanship – Reviving the Atrium of Richmond’s Old City Hall

The predicament before us was complex: to return a Gothic Revival atrium to its historic grandeur – including restoring key features not seen in generations – while addressing code and increasing functionality, sustainability, and accessibility. With an approach grounded in research, design, and craftsmanship, our team met this challenge head-on.

Calls for the demolition and replacement of Elijah E. Myers’ masterpiece began in the early twentieth century when the Gothic Revival fell out of fashion. The building was repeatedly threatened until it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 and purchased by the state of Virginia for use as an office building. Among other missteps, a 1980s renovation introduced historically inaccurate paint colors in the five-story atrium, obscuring the character and beauty of the building.

Our charge for the renovation included accurately restoring the atrium. The original design centered around natural light illuminating from above. A restrained palette sheathed ornate walkways and stairs. The atrium was constructed from cast iron, part of the movement toward “fireproof” buildings – but with faux wood graining lending the feel of an ornate wood interior.

Today, creative problem-solving for fire protection was required to restore the space while meeting code . Working with the architectural volumes and ornament of the vaulted spaces and the overhead laylight, sprinklers and beam type detectors were integrated with precision.
Natural light was supplemented with the restoration and modification of atrium chandeliers and torchieres to save energy while retaining the space’s original character. The light fixtures were originally constructed with both gas and electric elements, reflecting a transitional time in energy. The project recreated these dual features, bringing an energy-efficient solution to the original aesthetic.

Through historical research, paint analysis, and paint exposures, the original finishes for the atrium were uncovered – including decorative painting that simulated the look of oak on cast iron elements. This decorative finish had been painted over for decades – most recently with a non-historic polychromatic scheme. The team of craftspeople worked faithfully to recreate the original woodgraining on the atrium's cast iron cornices, railings, stairs, and columns. Special care was needed to bring back the graining and keep it in harmony with the adjacent wood oak paneling on the perimeter walls. Patterns were derived by considering how the panels would have been cut in wood.

The completed project has restored the space’s original quiet elegance, creating a dignified space for state employees and visitors while updating it for modern needs.